Originally founded as a Native American trading post, Bradford grew into the county seat of Chickasaw County, before losing its courthouse, post office, and most of its residents. Bradford remains the site of a history museum and the Little Brown Church, the inspiration for the 1857 song, "The Church in the Wildwood".
History
Bradford in Chickasaw County, Iowa, in 1887
A Native American trading post was established by the government in the vicinity of Bradford in 1840; this consisted of three log buildings. The natives here were of the Chickasaw tribe and their chief was named Bradford. The post was abandoned in 1850.[2]
The first school in Chickasaw County was in the village of Bradford. This log building was built in 1852. Bradford was later home to the Bradford Academy. The academy, a private high school intended to prepare students for university, was founded by Reverend J.K. Nutting in 1865. Later, the Bradford Academy was housed in a fine brick building. The academy was open for 12 years, and had as many as 125 students at its peak.[2]
Bradford's population was estimated at 100 in 1887.[6]
After the removal of the Chickasaw County seat to New Hampton, Bradford's importance was diminished. Bradford was bypassed by the railroad in favor of Nashua. These events led to a decline in the community, and some residents moved to Nashua or New Hampton.[7] The Bradford post office closed on May 31, 1899.[4]
Bradford is still home to the Little Brown Church and the Bradford Pioneer Village museum.
Chickasaw County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,012. Its county seat is New Hampton. The county was named for the southern Indian Nation whose chief was Bradford.
Nashua is a city in Chickasaw County and Floyd County, Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 1,551 a 6.7% decrease from 2010. The famed Little Brown Church featured in the song "The Church in the Wildwood" is located in Nashua.
"The Church in the Wildwood" is a song that was written by Dr. William S. Pitts in 1857 following a coach ride that stopped in Bradford, Iowa. It is a song about a church in a valley near the town, though the church was not actually built until several years later. In the years since, the church has become known simply as "the Little Brown Church".
Bradford Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,140.
Chickasaw Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 784.
Dayton Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,752.
Fredericksburg Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 982.
New Hampton Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,065.
Richland Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 369.
Stapleton Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 781.
Utica Township is one of twelve townships in Chickasaw County, Iowa, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 525.
The Chickasaw County Courthouse is a historic governmental building located at 8 East Prospect Street in New Hampton, Iowa, United States. On July 2, 1981, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is the fourth structure to house court functions and county administration.
Deerfield is an unincorporated community in Chickasaw County, Iowa, United States. It is located near the intersections of County Highways B28 and T76 on the east side of the Wapsipinicon River. It is five miles east of Colwell and four miles northwest of North Washington, at 43.162975N, -92.495651W.
"The Little Brown Church" is a historic church located at 2730 Cheyenne Avenue near Nashua, Iowa. It was made famous by a song, "The Church in the Wildwood". The structure was completed in 1864.
William S. Pitts (1830-1918) was an American physician and composer who wrote the well-known song "The Church in the Wildwood" in 1857.
Boyd is an unincorporated community in southeastern New Hampton Township in Chickasaw County, in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Nansen was an unincorporated community in Chickasaw County, Iowa, United States. It was at the junction of 170th Street and Pembroke Avenue.
Little Turkey is an unincorporated community in eastern Chickasaw County, in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Republic is an unincorporated community in southern Chickasaw County, in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Saude is an unincorporated community in northern Chickasaw County, in the U.S. state of Iowa.
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